On the evening of Tuesday, April 29th, 2014 Kitimat Search & Rescue (KSAR) responded to a request for assistance from the Kitimat RCMP regarding a jet boat that had broken down, stranding it’s two occupants up the Gilttoyees River, where they had been fishing. The Gilttoyees River is approximately 55km from Kitimat, down the Douglas Channel. The occupants had initiated a Spot Receiver, emitting a distress signal. Due to weather, limited details on the condition of the fisherman, and the late time of day, two members from KSAR, in conjunction with White River Helicopters, flew to the Gilttoyees River. The stranded boaters were located at approximately 19:45 hours, in good condition, although cold and wet. They were then extracted from the area, and brought to Kitimat.

In addition to KSAR responding, Kitimat RCMP initiated a response with their marine vessel. Kitimat Marine Rescue Society also responded, with five members in the Snowflake Responder, along with a jet boat. These two agencies were stood down enroute once the boaters were located and brought to safety.

KSAR would like to thank White River Helicopters for their quick response, the Kitimat RCMP, and members of the Kitimat Marine Rescue Society, for all their efforts.